Seocho-gu Partners with Kia and KCC to Build Community Safety Network

Kia Signs MOU to Promote 'Kia Prentoring' Child and Youth Mentoring Project... MOU Signed with KCC to Promote 'Banditbul House' Housing Improvement Support Project for Vulnerable Groups

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seocho-gu signed business agreements on the 22nd with Kia and KCC, companies located in Seocho-gu, at the small conference room on the 5th floor of Seocho-gu Office to establish a local community safety net.

Through this agreement, they plan to continuously promote the mentoring project for children and adolescents called ‘Kia Prentoring’ and the housing vulnerable group space improvement support project called ‘Firefly House.’

The signing ceremony was attended by Kia Executive Director Yoon Honam, KCC Executive Director Shim Jaeguk, Seocho-gu Office Resident Life Director, and heads of partner organizations.

Additionally, practitioners from partner organizations conducting the projects (Banpo Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Umyeon Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Yangjae Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Hanuri Information and Culture Center, Bangbae Youth Center) also attended and presented outstanding cases from 2020 and plans for this year.

The ‘Kia Prentoring’ project started in 2013 with sponsorship from Kia (formerly Kia Motors) and annually supports about 160 low-income and at-risk children and adolescents in Seocho-gu with various mentoring programs including learning, experience, career, and group mentoring.

Recently, with the increased use of disposable plastic containers due to COVID-19 and the growing emphasis on eco-friendliness, they plan to start various eco-friendly mentoring activities such as making and using eco-friendly products, eco-themed video contests, and eco-friendly challenge activities.

The ‘Firefly House’ project is sponsored by KCC and began in 2018, now entering its fourth year.

It focuses on customized home repairs and space improvement support considering the housing characteristics of the beneficiaries. Over the past three years, a total of 96 vulnerable households in Seocho-gu have received home repair support through the Firefly House project.

This year, in addition to home repair support, a shared kitchen project that local residents can use together will be piloted.

This agreement was made to build a local community safety net through corporate social contribution activities and to provide continuous courage and hope to vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, the district is focusing on revitalizing social contribution activities with local companies (organizations) to build a community safety net. By discovering programs that efficiently reflect the intentions of sponsoring companies and organizations and linking them with social welfare institutions capable of project implementation, stable and continuous programs are being conducted. Companies and organizations that sponsor above a certain amount promote their good deeds through the ‘Seoripul Donation Wall.’

Last December, appreciation plaques were produced and delivered to 30 outstanding donor companies and organizations. As a result, they are currently working with a total of 34 companies and organizations on social contribution activities, supporting 37 social welfare institutions and 10,229 neighbors in need with 1,523,645,000 KRW.

A district official stated, “We will continue to do our best to build a community safety net by joining hands with local companies and organizations, and we will strive to promote active welfare administration through stronger public-private cooperation.”